A poll, carried out by ComRes on behalf of the Coalition for Marriage campaign group, found that more than half of the 440,000 primary and secondary school teachers in England and Wales were “very concerned” that any opposition to the new law outside the classroom would severely hinder their professional careers. A further 17 per cent said they would toe the line reluctantly, while half said parents should have the right to withdraw their children from social education classes where the subject would be raised.

Tens of thousands of teachers face the real prospect of being disciplined

The Coalition for Marriage

The Coalition for Marriage said: “Tens of thousands of teachers face the real prospect of being disciplined or sacked over the Government’s proposals to redefine marriage.”

But Education Secretary Michael Gove told a Sunday paper teachers who tell pupils marriage should be between a man and woman will not be disciplined. He said if the vote goes in favour teachers have a duty to explain that gay weddings are legal – but do not have to agree with them.